Murder probe after pensioner dies

A murder investigation has been launched after a man in his 70s died following a "serious incident".

PUBLISHED: 04:30, Sun, Jul 14, 2013

A man in his 70s has died after an incident in Hertfordshire [PA]

Police were called to Nettleden Road in Berkhamstead, Hertfordshire, at around 3.30pm on Saturday where they found the man, from Little Gaddesden, dead at the scene.

A second man in his 80s has been taken to hospital having suffered injuries which are not believed to be life threatening, a police spokeswoman said.

Officers would like to speak 55-year-old Ian John McLoughlin, also known as Ian John Baker, in connection with the incident.

DCI Jerome Kent, senior investigating officer from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: "Whilst the investigation is still in its early stages, we are treating the death as murder.

"We are providing specialist support to the victim's family and our thoughts are with them at this distressing time.

Mr Kent said local officers were conducting additional patrols in the area to provide reassurance to residents.

He added: "These are initial stages of the investigation however we urgently want to speak to Ian McLoughlin in connection with this offence. He is described as being a white male, around 6ft tall with straight greying collar length hair. At the time of the incident he was wearing a short sleeve grey/military green t-shirt, he is of average build.

"The public are asked not to approach him, please contact the police immediately on the 999 emergency number.

"The incident occurred in a quiet residential area and there may have been people who have seen or heard suspicious activity. I would appeal to anyone who believes they can assist the investigation, to contact us as soon as possible by calling the non-emergency number 101 quoting Operation Acari or the Major Crime Unit Incident Desk on 01707 355959."